Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Seal Assembly with Detachable Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
During hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures, existing technologies fail to maintain abdominal pressure effectively, leading to compromised pneumoperitoneum during hand exchanges.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic seal assembly with an iris seal and detachable attachment ring, utilizing a soft textured housing and interlocking engagement structures, ensures secure attachment and detachment of the retractor, maintaining a gas-tight barrier and minimizing abdominal pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal assembly is used to maintain abdominal pressure during hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures, then abdominal pressure is maintained and pneumoperitoneum is preserved, but the complexity of the device increases due to the need for detachable attachment rings and interlocking engagement structures
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into separate components including a seal cap, detachable attachment ring, and retractor. This segmentation allows the retractor to be selectively attached and detached while maintaining the seal integrity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity by enabling modular assembly that preserves function while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment ring with interlocking engagement structures is nested within the seal cap assembly, allowing the retractor to be securely positioned within the sealed environment. This nesting approach maintains abdominal pressure reliability while containing the complexity within a compact, integrated structure.
2Strength
If a detachable attachment ring with interlocking engagement structures is used to secure the retractor, then secure attachment is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of attachment and detachment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking engagement structures are designed to provide strong attachment when engaged, while allowing for relatively easy detachment through a simple release mechanism. This dynamic design enables the attachment strength to be high during use, while the ease of operation is maintained during attachment and detachment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment ring is detachable from the seal cap, then adaptability is improved allowing for selective attachment of the retractor, but the reliability may be compromised due to potential detachment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking engagement structures are pre-configured to guide the attachment ring into proper alignment with the seal cap before engagement. This preliminary action ensures that when the attachment ring is attached, it forms a reliable, gas-tight seal, preventing detachment errors while maintaining the adaptability to selectively attach and detach the retractor.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures includes a seal cap having a central access opening allowing access to a body cavity as desired. The seal cap is provided with a housing in which a seal is positioned. The seal cap also includes an attachment ring that is selectively detachable therefrom for selective attachment of a retractor.